Before a trip you prepare by packing, before a bar-b-que you invite your friends, buy the food and prepare side dishes, plus make sure there is propane in the tank. For life in general preparation is often a given needed for you to reach the goal you have set. So, it is with GOD, and HE is always prepared.
But HE prepares way, way in advance. Psalm 65:9 tells how HE planted the seeds or prepared in advance for vegetation such as corn to grow. In Acts 17:26 we see GOD preset the times and the places for us. Knowing that helps me when I am running behind and hit a red light. The fact is HE scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe (Psalm 139:16LB). But let’s not forget that HIS scheduling allows for my choices through HIS amazing foreknowledge (foreknowledge=to know before).
In Isaiah 44:6-7 the LORD says that HE is the 1st and the last and besides HIM there is no GOD. HE declares that HE set things in order, appointed the ancient people, the things that are coming and things that will come. Nothing catches our LORD GOD by surprise. And according to Acts 15:18KJ GOD has known exactly all that HE would ever do from the beginning of the world. Yes, HE had it all mapped out.
For Jonah GOD prepared a fish, a gourd, a worm and a vehement east wind. Each had a purpose. Why did the LORD prepare them? It is seen in Jonah’s story and explained in Hebrews 12:5-7, 11. The LORD was discipling Jonah to teach him and create in him righteousness. HE does the same for us as HE conforms us to the likeness of JESUS Romans 8:29.
GOD has prepared other things for me and you (if you are a believer in JESUS). Ephesians 2:10 tells is that the ALMIGHTY GOD prepared in advance good works for us to walk in (notice it doesn’t say to do, for the LORD HIMSELF who calls us and walk by our side will do the work HIMSELF- 1 Thessalonians 5:24).
2 Chronicles 27:6 tells us that Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD.
Whereas it is written as a warning to us (1 Corinthians 10:6,11) that King Rehoboam did evil because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12:14.
Are you prepared? The 1st step is to accept JESUS CHRIST as you LORD and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). “For he that believeth on the SON has life but he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him” (John 3:36).
Then daily we need to prepare our ways before the LORD in HIS word and prayer. Proverbs 3:5-7 explains how to do that. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes…”
I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 